In his remarks, Rama addressed the challenges the students may face in their daily lives, emphasizing that success is not determined solely by social or economic circumstances.

Rama hailed the winning students as, “Absolutely extraordinary in the power of their example,” underscoring that overcoming obstacles and achieving outstanding results is a form of heroism. Rama added, “You are the example of how all of Albania should actually think: that despite the difficulties, despite the lagging behind in certain areas—which remains an objective reality due to history—and despite its small size, the country must dare, aim high and ascend as quickly as possible. And that is precisely what you are doing.”

He also spoke about the challenges that success can bring, including prejudice and envy from others. Citing the writer Faik Konica, Rama noted that Albanians often find it difficult to accept the success of others.

Furthermore, the prime minister described the winning students as a source of inspiration for him as well, emphasizing the importance to society of examples set by individuals who achieve success despite adversity. “And let us not forget that we are all Albanians. And as Faik Konica used to say, ‘We are very good people, and we forgive everything—except someone else’s success. We do not forgive the success of others.’ This makes success even harder to achieve under these circumstances. Yet, you have achieved it,” said Rama.

Rama added, “What I want to tell you today is, first of all, that for me personally, you are an inspiration; in my line of work, I need to draw inspiration from examples of people who succeed even when conditions are far from ideal.”

Rama urged the young people to have confidence in themselves and not to give up on their dreams. /p.s./

In the motorcycle category, Vojtech Sekanina won the champion trophy, while in the car race, the winners were Laverian Nurka and Mario Nikolli. First prize in the SSV category was awarded to Simon Piedboeuf and Marc Borguet.

Together with 190 competitors, the champions embarked on a grueling seven-day journey stretching across Albania. Spanning over 2,000 kilometers, the race took participants through more than 150 villages from the northern borders to the southern coast. The runners camped at various stages along the route—traveling from Tirana to Përmet and Ksamil—before returning to the capital for the closing awards ceremony.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja praised the impact of this activity not only on sport, but also on the promotion of Albania as a tourist destination.

According to him, a mobile community of over 500 people, including pilots, family members and technical staff, traveled every day to different areas of the country, creating direct contacts with local communities and conveying the image of Albanian hospitality.

Through photos, videos and publications on social networks, the participants promoted Albanian landscapes, culture and traditions to thousands of followers in Northern, Central European countries and beyond.

Rally Albania is organized by the Albanian Motorcycle Federation with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports. The organizers and support institutions consider this activity not only as a motorsport competition, but also as an ambassador of nature, culture, tourism and the Albanian spirit. /e.i/a.f/p.s./

Out of three nominated films, Singular (2025) by Alberto Gastesi took home the Best Film award, beating Gülizar (Turkey) and Jet Lag in Summer (China/Hong Kong/USA).

Guided by the motto “Open Sky. Open Minds!”, the festival cemented its status as a premier cinematic event in the region. This year’s edition showcased 40 films from 25 countries, welcoming 30 visiting filmmakers from 12 nations to celebrate independent cinema.

By bringing together the diplomatic corps, artists, and scholars, this gathering celebrated the power of cinema to spark dialogue, foster reflection and build deeper understanding.

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The international jury that evaluated the projects submitted to this competition assessed that although each of the projects had very good architectural features, none of the projects were completely successful in addressing both components.

Therefore, the jury decided to announce the winners: the “Taller Hector Barroso” studio for the children’s house project and the “Rojkind Arquitevtos S.C” studio for the multifunctional towers.

The jury decided that the two projects should be developed under the coordination of a single developer, while also drafting a set of recommendations towards the implementation phase.

The winning projects were selected among proposals with outstanding architectural, urban and, above all, social values. /r.e/a.f/p.s./

Rama thanked voters for their support despite what he called “the extreme weakness of the opposition” and low turnout due to bad weather and the nature of by-elections.

“Five municipalities, five victories and five more reasons to thank citizens for their trust, regardless of the opposition’s weakness, the rainy weather or the limited interest in by-elections,” Rama said.

PM Rama said the Socialist Party’s victories in local by-elections proved voters’ confidence in his government and the opposition’s continued decline.

The government head praised the new mayors, including Brunilda Mersini, the first woman to lead the coastal city of Vlora, and called the results “a strong foundation for the work ahead.”

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The app features three chatbots, each addressing different mental health needs. It alerts authorities if users express critical warning signs, helping young people manage mental health challenges, the students said.

The project was mentored by teacher Vjola Jerina and supported by the Albanian-American Development Foundation (ADF), which invests in AI labs where around 20 students are certified annually.

Beqiri said being announced as winners was “one of the most exciting moments” of her life. The award highlights the students’ innovation and positions Shkodër as a growing hub for creativity and technology in Albanian secondary education.

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The winning team – Itien Duraj, Xhorxh Loli, Erti Katroshi, and Skerdilaid Bilibashi – will represent Albania in the global competition with their project “RecycleMars,” nominated under the “SpaceTrash Hack” challenge, Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said in a social media post on Wednesday.

Held in Tirana from October 3-5, the three-day marathon gathered 50 young Albanians among more than 370,000 participants worldwide. The event was organized by the Albanian ICT Academy and NASA Space Apps Tirana.

Second place in the “Best Use of Technology” category went to the “Cosmic Carrots” team, nominated for the global “Farm Navigators” challenge, while third place in “Best Use of Data” was awarded to “Astrocoders.” The “QS Dev’s Team” received the Inspirational Award for their project “Meteor Madness.”

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Italian athlete Thomas Greco won the sprint category, completing all three disciplines himself. In the Olympic-distance race for men, Eduart Dalla took first place, followed by Albion Ymeri and Strahinja Trakić.

Thirty-six athletes, including three women, competed in the sprint distance (750m swim), while 21 athletes – six of them women – raced the Olympic distance (1,500m swim) and all three disciplines. Five Olympic teams and 15 sprint relay teams, each with three members, also took part.

About 25 foreign competitors from 10 countries – including Greece, Kosovo, Serbia, Italy, Spain, North Macedonia, and the United States – joined the event, said Roland Hysi of Tirana’s Sports Directorate. Participation has grown steadily year by year, he added, noting the event promotes healthy living, inclusion, and a culture of sport in the capital.

Municipal police restricted traffic on several roads from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to ensure the race ran smoothly.

In the “Single” category, Denis Morina was declared the winner and Florie Cenaliaj was the second-best.

While in the “Photo Stories” category, Radoje Jovanociv won the first place and Mehmet Uluyurt was ranked the second. The jury decided to give Esmeralda Korini an encouraging prize, while the public prize went to Giulia Forza. There was also a prize for the best reel; it went to Altin Serani.

The curator’s theme of this edition was “The Mediterranean”, a theme that required from the photographers, Albanian or foreign, regardless of whether they were amateurs, professionals or simply enthusiasts of this medium, to bring their artistic works to the three categories of the Festival; Photo Singles, Photo Stories and Short Reels.

The prizes of the 8th edition were given during an event in a warm atmosphere with the community of photographers of this festival. Also present was Deputy Mayor of the Municipality Andi Seferi, photographer Roland Tasho who together with Rozafa Shpuza was a member of the festival jury, as well as writer Ben Blushi and exhibition curator Elton Koritari.

The photos presented to the festival were also printed in a photo album entitled “Mediterranean”. /a.f/p.s./

This year’s edition in one of Albania’s most breathtaking destinations –  a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage – has already become an important international sports event.

Berat Mayor Ervin Demo said in a social media post that the marathon attracted runners from all over the world and extended his most heartfelt wishes to the male and female winners of the 10-km and 21-km races.

Green Half Marathon in Berat is a thrilling 21.1 km challenge, ideal for seasoned runners looking for a new personal best (PB) thanks to the  fast course. The 10K race takes place through a scenic route perfect for enjoying Berat’s iconic views in a shorter distance. The course takes you through iconic landmarks, including the historic Gorica Bridge, and alongside the serene Osumi River, offering a truly unique and picturesque running experience.

Prizes for were handed to the winners of each category, with men’s marathon first prize  awarded to Turkish runner Üzeyir Soylemez for the 21.1 km category, breaking last year’s record. Sportsmen Ivan Bubnov and Nesim Kerkouri ended up second and third respectively.

The women’s 21.1 km first prize was awarded to Tirana athlete Redia Dauti, who has participated in the two previous editions in the museum city of Berat.

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